Putumayo World Music Releases New CD to Benefit ACCION

Latin Reggae Features Socially Conscious Artists from Latin America and Spain

BOSTON, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCION International, a pioneer and leader
in microfinance, is pleased to announce the release of Putumayo World Music's
newest CD, Latin Reggae, a collection featuring both trailblazers and
newcomers from the rock and reggae scenes of Latin America and Spain.
Adopting the rhythms and philosophy of reggae, the musicians on Latin
Reggae sing socially conscious lyrics that move the feet and inspire the
heart. A portion of the sales from each Latin Reggae album will be donated to
ACCION in support of its efforts to provide people of Latin America and around
the world with the financial tools needed to work their way out of poverty.
Putumayo World Music was established in 1993 to introduce people to the
music of the world's cultures. Through the sale of its CDs, Putumayo
endeavors to raise awareness and support for organizations that help improve
the quality of life in regions where the music comes from.
ACCION International has supported poor men and women in Latin America
since its founding in 1961. With strong roots in the region and operations in
25 countries worldwide, ACCION is expanding globally to bring economic
opportunity to microentrepreneurs and their families.
"We are honored to partner with Putumayo -- a leader in global music -- on
their latest collection," said Maria Otero, ACCION president and CEO. "It is
our hope that the brilliant rhythms and lyrics of Latin Reggae will remind
music-lovers everywhere of the millions of hardworking microentrepreneurs in
Latin America and around the world who need our help."
To purchase Latin Reggae, please visit www.accion.org or www.putumayo.com.

Latin Reggae Tracks:

1. Muchachito Bombo Infierno -- Conversaciones Incompatibles (Spain)
2. Macaco -- Descolora (Spain)
3. Radio Malanga -- Charito Va (Spain)
4. Los Cafres -- La Receta (Argentina)
5. Cultura Profetica -- Reggae Rustico (Puerto Rico)
6. Go Lem System -- Pura Sangre (Spain)
7. Ticklah featuring Mayra Vega -- Si Hecho Palante (USA)
8. Black Gandhi -- Pateras (Spain)
9. Amparanoia -- Ven (Spain)
10. Gondwana -- Libros Sagrados (Chile)
11. Sarazino -- Desbaratado (Ecuador/Canada /Algeria)

About ACCION International
ACCION International is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission
of giving people the financial tools they need -- microenterprise loans,
business training and other financial services -- to work their way out of
poverty. A world pioneer in microfinance, ACCION was founded in 1961 and
issued its first microloan in 1973 in Brazil. ACCION International's partner
microfinance institutions today are providing loans as low as $100 to poor men
and women entrepreneurs in 25 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the
United States. In the last decade alone, ACCION partners have disbursed more
than 17.9 million loans totaling more than $12.3 billion; 97 percent of the
loans have been repaid. Selected for the fifth consecutive year for its
pioneering approaches to poverty alleviation, ACCION was among 45
organizations awarded the 2008 Social Capitalist Award by Fast Company
magazine. ACCION has also been awarded Charity Navigator's highest rating --
four stars -- for efficiency and sound fiscal management. For more
information, visit www.accion.org.
About Putumayo World Music
Putumayo World Music was established in 1993 to introduce people to the
music of the world's cultures. The label grew out of Putumayo clothing
company, founded by Dan Storper in 1975 and sold in 1997. In the past fifteen
years, Putumayo World Music has become known primarily for its upbeat and
melodic compilations of great international music characterized by the
company's motto: "guaranteed to make you feel good!" For more information,
please visit www.putumayo.com.
SOURCE ACCION International

Caroline Mauldin of ACCION International, +1-202-393-5113, ext. 1635,
cmauldin@accion.org; or Crissa Requate of Putumayo World Music,
+1-828-505-2206, crissa@putumayo.com